Lubricious coatings with surface salt groups

ABSTRACT

Embodiments herein include coated medical devices and coatings with salt groups. In an embodiment, a coated medical device is included, the coated medical device including a substrate and a polymeric layer disposed over the substrate. The polymeric layer includes a polymer and has an exterior surface. The coated medical device further includes a plurality of salt groups bonded to the polymer of the polymeric layer and disposed on the exterior surface of the polymeric layer. The salt groups can be the reaction product of a reactive group with an acid or base. In an embodiment, a method of making a medical device is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/272,440, filed Dec. 29, 2015, the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to lubricious polymeric coatings. Morespecifically, embodiments herein relates to lubricious polymericcoatings for medical device having surface salt groups.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices include, amongst others, those that are chronicallyimplanted, devices that are transitorily implanted, and those that notimplanted at all. Many types of medical devices are enhanced by reducingthe friction between the device and the environment that surrounds themedical device, particularly during insertion of a device. One exampleis catheters that are inserted, at least transitorily, into the body ofa subject. Reduction of friction can lead to enhanced patient comfort,procedural ease for the care provider, reduced chances for infection, aswell as reduced tissue disruption, amongst other benefits. One approachto reducing the friction between a medical device and the environmentsurrounding the medical device is to apply a lubricious coating onto themedical device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments herein include coated medical devices and coatings with saltgroups. In an embodiment, a coated medical device is included, thecoated medical device including a substrate and a polymeric layerdisposed over the substrate. The polymeric layer includes a polymer andhas an exterior surface. The coated medical device further includes aplurality of salt groups bonded to the polymer of the polymeric layerand disposed on the exterior surface of the polymeric layer. The saltgroups can be the reaction product of a reactive group with an acid orbase.

In an embodiment, a method of making a medical device is included. Themethod can include obtaining a medical device comprising a polymericlayer disposed over a substrate, the polymeric layer comprising anexterior surface with reactive groups disposed on the exterior surface.The method can further include applying a solution to the exteriorsurface. The solution can include an acid or a base. The acid or base inthe solution reacts with the reactive groups to form salt groups.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustivetreatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found inthe detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will beapparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understandingthe following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form apart thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Thescope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with thefollowing drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the formation of a salt group on the surfaceof a polymeric layer in accordance with various embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a coating.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a coating.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a coated medical device.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the average measured frictional force in avertical pinch test over a number of testing cycles.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the average measured frictional force in avertical pinch test over a number of testing cycles.

While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of exampleand drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particularembodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to covermodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand theprinciples and practices.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated byreference. The publications and patents disclosed herein are providedsolely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as anadmission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate anypublication and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent citedherein.

Medical devices, especially those that are implanted in the body, arecommonly subjected to a sterilization procedure to enhance safety.However, it was discovered that the sterilization procedure canadversely affect the lubricious nature of coatings. This is particularlytrue where the coatings are exposed to a higher temperature thanambient, such as during accelerated aging testing. In particular, it wasobserved that some sterilization procedures can make coatings withcertain reactive groups less lubricious.

However, it was also discovered that contacting the reactive groups withan acid or a base to convert the reactive groups into salt groups waseffective to preserve the lubricity of the coating through thesterilization process. For example, for coatings with carboxylic acidreactive groups, the application of a solution containing a base such assodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide results in the formation of saltgroups. Surprisingly, the salt groups allow the polymeric layer toretain its lubricity despite going through the sterilization procedure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a diagram is shown of an exemplary reaction inaccordance with various embodiments herein. In this view, a diagram isshown of a carboxylic acid on the surface of a polymeric layer. Thecarboxylic acid group can be a functional group of a polymer in thepolymeric layer, such as poly(acrylic acid). The polymeric layer caninclude such reactive groups throughout its thickness, but it is shownin FIG. 1 only on the surface for ease of illustration. In this case,the carboxylic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate leaving a salt groupdisposed on the surface.

It will be appreciated that while a carboxylic acid is illustrated inthe diagram in FIG. 1, reactive groups herein can include variousdifferent groups. In some embodiments the reactive group can be an acidgroup. In some embodiments, the reactive group can be a carboxylic acid,a sulfonic acid, a sulfinic acid, a sulfate group, a phosphonic acid, aphosphonate group, a phosphate group, an amine, a weak acid group, or aweak base group. In some embodiments, more than one type of reactivegroup can be included. In other embodiments, only a single type ofreactive group is included. In a particular embodiment, the reactivegroup is a carboxylic acid.

Depending on the nature of the reactive group, various acids or basescan be used in order to form the salt group. Exemplary bases can includeboth weak bases and strong bases. By way of example, exemplary bases caninclude, but are not limited to, metal carbonates such as sodiumcarbonate, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate, metalhydroxides such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithiumhydroxide, and zinc hydroxide, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, and aminoacids having basic side chains such as arginine, lysine, and histidine.It will be appreciated that bases such as these can react with certainreactive groups, such as carboxylic acid groups, in order to form saltgroups, or more specifically in the case of a carboxylic acid reactivegroup a carboxylate salt group.

Exemplary acids can include both weak acids and strong acids. Exemplarystrong acids can include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid,perchloric acid, and the like. Exemplary weak acids can includecarboxylic acids, such as C₁-C₂₀ carboxylic acids. Exemplary weak acidscan specifically include acetic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid, oxalicacid, maleic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, and the like. In variousembodiments, the acid can include amino acids having acidic side chainssuch as aspartate and glutamate. It will be appreciated that, forexample, sulfuric acid can react with an amine group in order to form anammonium salt.

The salt group that results from a reaction between the reactive groupand an acid or base depends on the nature of the reactants. However, invarious embodiments, the salt group is a metal salt. In variousembodiments, the salt group includes a cation selected from the groupconsisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, aluminum, zinc,magnesium and ammonium. In various embodiments, the salt group is acarboxylate salt.

The amount of the base or acid used can depend on various factors. Invarious embodiments, the acid or base is applied as a liquid acid orbase solution. In some embodiments, a liquid acid or base solution isused having a concentration of the acid or base of at least 0.001 mM. Inother embodiments, the concentration of the base or acid maysufficiently high so as to approach the solubility limits of the acid orbase used in the particular solvent or solvent mixture of the solutionat a given temperature, such as 21 degrees Celsius.

In some embodiments, the base or acid solution can be an aqueoussolution. In some embodiments, the solution can include water and one ormore additional solvent components. While not intending to be bound bytheory, the addition of an additional component as part of the solutioncan speed drying of the applied acid or base solution where theadditional component is more volatile than water. In some embodiments,the solution can include an alcohol. In some embodiments, the solutioncan include water and isopropyl alcohol.

The total amount of the acid or base applied per unit area of thecoating to be treated can depend on factors such as the desired degreeof conversion from reactive groups to salt groups. In some embodiments,a molar excess of an acid or base is applied as determined based on thenumber of reactive groups in the polymeric layer to which the acid orbase solution is applied.

Many different techniques can be used to apply the acid or base solutionto the substrate. By way of example, exemplary techniques can includedrop coating, blade coating, dip coating, spray coating, and the like.In various embodiments, the acid or base solution is applied by dipcoating. The speed of dip coating can vary. For example, the substratecan be dipped into the acid or base coating solution and then withdrawnat speeds between 0.01 and 10 cm/s.

In some embodiments, the acid or base solution can be rinsed off of thepolymeric layer after it has had sufficient time to react with reactivegroups on the polymeric layer. In other embodiments, a washing step canbe omitted and the acid or base solution can be left on the polymericlayer. In various embodiments, a drying step can be included after theapplication of the acid or base solution and/or any rinsing steps.

Coatings and coated devices in accordance with embodiments herein can beprocessed in various ways in order to sterilize them. At the time ofsterilization, the coatings and devices may or may not still have aremainder of acid or base solution (dried or not) disposed thereon. Manydifferent methods of sterilization are contemplated herein.Sterilization approaches can include the application of heat, steam,pressure, irradiation (including, but not limited to, gamma rayirradiation, electron beam irradiation, and the like), chemicals(including, but not limited to ethylene oxide treatment, chlorinedioxide treatment, hydrogen peroxide sterilization, etc.), or the like.However, while not intending to be bound by theory, some techniques ofsterilization (such as those involving very high temperatures) canpotentially damage polymeric coatings. In an exemplary embodiment, thecoatings or coated devices are processed using ethylene oxide treatmentor electron beam irradiation. Ethylene oxide (EtO) is an alkylatingagent that disrupts the DNA of microorganisms. EtO gas infiltratespackages and contacts the coatings or coated devices and kills themicroorganisms. EtO treatment can include stages of pre-conditioning,sterilizer application, and degassing. Aspects of a type of EtOtreatment can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,485, the content of whichdescribing the process of EtO is herein incorporated by reference.

Coated medical devices in accordance with embodiments herein can haveone or more polymeric layers. In some embodiments, only one polymericlayer includes a polymer with reactive groups. In other embodiments,more than one polymeric layer includes reactive groups. In someembodiments, the polymer layer with the reactive groups is disposeddirectly on the substrate of the medical device. In other embodiments,there can be one or more intermediate or tie layers disposed between thepolymeric layer with the reactive groups and the substrate. A layer onthe outside can be referred to as a top layer or top coat. Inner layers,of which there can be one or more, can be referred to as base layers. Insome contexts, layers between a base layer and a top layer can bereferred to as intermediate layers.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic cross-sectional view of a portionof a coated medical device 200 is shown in accordance with variousembodiments herein. In this view, the medical device 200 includes asubstrate 206 and a polymeric layer 202 disposed over the substrate 206.Exemplary substrate materials and polymeric layer materials aredescribed below. The polymeric layer 202 in FIG. 2 can be equivalent to,and include the same materials as, the second polymeric layer 304 inFIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic cross-sectional view of aportion of a coated medical device 300 coating on a substrate inaccordance with various embodiments herein. The coating on the device300 can include a base coating or first polymeric layer 302 and a topcoating or second polymeric layer 304. The second polymeric layer 304can be disposed on the first polymeric layer 302. In some embodiments,the second polymeric layer 304 is directly disposed on the firstpolymeric layer 302. In other embodiments, other components may bedisposed in between the second polymeric layer 304 and the firstpolymeric layer 302. The first polymeric layer 302 can be disposed on asubstrate 306. In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer 302 isdirectly disposed on substrate 306. In other embodiments, othercomponents may be disposed in between the first polymeric layer 302 andthe substrate 306.

The thickness of the first polymeric layer 202 and second polymericlayer 204 can vary. In some embodiments, the thickness of the firstpolymeric layer 202 and second polymeric layer 204, together, can befrom about 100 nm to about 1000 nm when dry. In some embodiments, thethickness can be from about 200 nm to about 400 nm. In some embodiments,the thickness can be about 300 nm. For example, the thickness of thefirst polymeric layer, when dry, can be in the range of about 500 nm toabout 5.0 μm, about 500 nm to about 2.0 μm, or about 1.0 μm to about 2.0μm. For example, the thickness of the second polymeric layer, when dry,can be in the range of about 100 nm to about 5.0 μm, about 250 nm toabout 5.0 μm, about 250 nm to about 1.0 μm, or about 1.0 μm to about 5.0μm.

The coating can optionally be described in terms of the ratio of thethickness of a first vinyl pyrrolidone-containing polymeric layer to asecond acrylic acid polymer-containing polymeric layer. For example, theratio of the thickness can be in the range of about 50:1 to about 1:10(first polymeric layer:second polymeric layer) (i.e., the firstpolymeric layer is about 50 times as thick as the second polymericlayer, or about one-tenth as thick as the second polymeric layer, or anamount in between 50× and 1/10^(th)), about 20:1 to about 1:2, about10:1 to about 1:1, or about 7.5:1 to about 2.5:1.

Exemplary materials for the polymeric layers herein (including the firstpolymeric layer and/or second polymeric layer) can be found in U.S.Publ. Pat. App. No. 2014/0193474.

In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer includes a vinylpyrrolidone polymer. As used herein a “vinyl pyrrolidone polymer” refersto polymers including vinyl pyrrolidone monomeric units.

In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer includes a vinylpyrrolidone polymer. As used herein a “vinyl pyrrolidone polymer” refersto polymers including vinyl pyrrolidone monomeric units. The vinylpyrrolidone polymer can be a vinyl pyrrolidone homopolymer or a vinylpyrrolidone copolymer including vinyl pyrrolidone and one or more (e.g.,two, three, four, five, etc.) other monomeric units that are differentthan vinyl pyrrolidone. In embodiments, in a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)copolymer, the vinyl pyrrolidone can be the primary monomer (molarquantity), such as present in an amount of greater than 50% (mol), 55%(mol) or greater, 60% (mol) or greater, 65% (mol) or greater, 70% (mol)or greater, 75% (mol) or greater, 80% (mol) or greater, 85% (mol) orgreater, 90% (mol) or greater, 92.5% (mol) or greater, 95% (mol) orgreater, 97.5% (mol) or 99% (mol) or greater. In exemplary embodiments,vinyl pyrrolidone is present in the copolymer in the range of about 75%(mol) to about 97.5% (mol), about 85% (mol) to about 97.5% (mol), orabout 90% (mol) to about 97.5% (mol).

Other monomers that can be copolymerized with vinyl pyrrolidone toprovide the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer include, but are not limited toacrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylic acid,acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate (AMPS), methacrylic acid, methylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyethylacrylate, glyceryl acrylate, glyceryl methacrylate, ethylene glycol, andderivatives of these monomers.

For example, in some embodiments, the first polymeric layer includes avinyl pyrrolidone polymer comprising a photoreactive group (e.g.,photo-PVP). Reagents and methods for the preparation of photo-PVP can befound in references such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,979,959; 5,002,582;5,263,992; 5,414,075; 5,512,329; and 5,637,460, the teaching of whichare incorporated herein by reference. In some modes of practice,photo-PVP can be formed by the copolymerization of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidoneand N-(3-aminopropyl (meth)acrylamide), which then can be derivatizedwith an acyl chloride (such as, for example, 4-benzoylbenzoyl chloride)under Schotten-Baumann conditions. That is, the acyl chloride reactswith the amino group of the N-(3-aminopropyl) moiety of the copolymer.An amide is formed resulting in the attachment of the aryl ketone to thepolymer.

A vinyl pyrrolidone polymer comprising a photoreactive group can also beprepared by copolymerizing vinyl pyrrolidone with a monomer derivatizedwith a photoreactive group. Exemplary monomer derivatives include arylketone derivatives of hydrophilic free radically polymerizable monomerssuch as acrylamide, methacrylamide and AMPS. One exemplarymethacrylamide-based monomer with a pendent photoreactive groups isN-[3-(4-benzoylbenzamido) propyl]methacrylamide (BBA-APMA), thesynthesis which is described in Examples 1-3 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,653(Duran et al.) Another exemplary methacrylamide-based monomer with apendent photoreactive group isN-[3-(7-methyl-9-oxothioxanthene-3-carboxiamido)propyl]methacrylamide(MTA-APMA), the synthesis which is described in Examples 1-2 of U.S.Pat. No. 6,156,345 (Chudzik et al.)

Exemplary cross-linking agents comprising at least two photoreactivegroups are described in greater detail herein. Within the firstpolymeric layer, the components can be homogenously mixed in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer comprises a firstcross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups, andamounts of the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a first cross-linking agentcomprising at least two photoreactive groups at a weight ratio in therange of about 2:1 to about 30:1 (wt./wt.), respectively. In someembodiments, in the first polymeric layer the amounts of vinylpyrrolidone polymer and the first cross-linking agent comprising atleast two photoreactive groups are at a weight ratio in the range ofabout 2:1 to about 20:1 (wt./wt.), respectively. In some embodiments, inthe first polymeric layer the amounts of vinyl pyrrolidone polymer andthe first cross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactivegroups are at a weight ratio in the range of about 8:1 to about 20:1(wt./wt.), respectively. In some embodiments, in the first polymericlayer the amounts of vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and the firstcross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups are ata weight ratio in the range of about 8:1 to about 16:1 (wt./wt.),respectively. In some embodiments, in the first polymeric layer theamounts of vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and the first cross-linking agentcomprising at least two photoreactive groups are at a weight ratio ofabout 18:1 (wt./wt.), respectively. In some embodiments, all componentsof the base coating comprise photoreactive groups.

In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer includes a vinylpyrrolidone polymer without photoreactive groups (e.g., non-ionic,underivatized PVP). The underivatized PVP can be of various molecularweights. In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer has amounts ofvinyl pyrrolidone polymer comprising a photoreactive group,non-derivatized vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, and first cross-linking agentcomprising at least two photoreactive groups at a weight ratio in therange of about 8:0.1:0.1 to 13:8:1 (wt./wt./wt.), respectively. In someembodiments, the first polymeric layer has amounts of vinyl pyrrolidonepolymer comprising a photoreactive group, non-derivatized vinylpyrrolidone polymer, and first cross-linking agent comprising at leasttwo photoreactive groups at a weight ratio of about 13:5:1(wt./wt./wt.). In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer hasamounts of non-derivatized vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and firstcross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups at aweight ratio in the range of about 0.1:0.5 to 8:1 (wt./wt.),respectively.

In yet other embodiments the first polymeric layer can have othernon-ionic exemplary polymers that include, but are not limited to,poly(N-vinyl caprolactam), polymers containing ether groups such aspoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), poly(propyleneglycol) (PPG) poly(vinyl methyl ether), or blends or copolymers thereofand non-ionic acrylic type polymers such as polyacrylamide,poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide).

Other representative non-ionic exemplary polymers include, but are notlimited to, polymeric alcohols such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA),poly(2-hydroxyehtylacrylate) (PHEA) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ether)PHEVE), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX), poly(n-acetyliminoethylene)(PAIE) and water soluble polysaccharides such as methyl cellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose. (see “Hydrogen-BondedInterpolymer Complexes; Formation, Structure and Applications” Chapters1 and 7, Eds. Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy and Georgios Stalkos (2009).

The second polymeric layer or top coat can include an acidgroup-containing polymer. An “acid group-containing polymer” refers topolymer that has acid groups presented on the polymer chain. Acidicgroups include, for example, sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids,phosphonic acids, and the like. Exemplary salts of such groups include,for example, sulfonate, carboxylate, and phosphate salts. Exemplarycounter ions include alkali, alkaline earths metals, ammonium,protonated amines, and the like. If one or more counter ions are used,the acid groups of the acid group-containing polymer are partiallyneutralized. For example a molar percentage of the acid groups can beneutralized with counter ions, such as in the range of x to y, wherein xto y are selected from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%,60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%, wherein x is less than y.

Exemplary carboxylic acid-group containing monomers that can be used toprepare the acid group-containing polymer, include, but are not limitedto acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconicacid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, and crotonic acid, and saltsthereof. Exemplary sulfonic acid-group containing monomers that can beused to prepare the acid group-containing polymer, include, but are notlimited to acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS),2-(meth)acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid,2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, and salts thereof. Copolymers made from acombination of two or more different acid-group containing monomers canbe used, or copolymers made from one or more acid-group containingmonomers and one or more non-acid group containing monomers can be used.These copolymers can be random copolymers, block copolymers, graftcopolymers or blends thereof to achieve the desired outcome.

Other exemplary carboxylic acid-containing monomers that can be used toprepare the acid group-containing copolymers include styrene and maleicanhydride copolymerized to produce styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer(PSMA). Yet other exemplary carboxylic acid-containing monomers aredescribed in “Hydrogen-Bonded Interpolymer Complexes; Formation,Structure and Applications” Chapters 1 and 7, Eds. Vitaliy V.Khutoryanskiy and Georgios Stalkos (2009).

The acid group-containing polymer may optionally be described withreference to its pH. For example, the acid group-containing polymer mayhave a pH in the range of about 1 to about 5, about 1.2 to about 5,about 1.5 to about 5, about 2.5 to about 5, about 2.75 to about 4.5, orabout 3 to about 4.25.

In some embodiments, the second polymeric layer can include hyaluronicacid, either as a homopolymer or as part of a copolymer including one ormore other subunits that are different than hyaluronic acid.

In some embodiments, the second polymeric layer or top coat can includea basic group-containing polymer. A “basic group-containing polymer”refers to polymer that has basic groups presented on the polymer chain.Basic groups include, for example, amine groups, and the like. By way ofexample, in some embodiments the second polymeric layer can include oneor more of polyethylenimine (PEI) or polyvinylamine (PVAm) either as ahomopolymer or as part of a copolymer including one or more othersubunits that are different.

The second polymeric layer that is a top coating can comprise an acrylicacid polymer. As used herein an “acrylic acid polymer” refers topolymers including acrylic acid monomeric units. The acrylic acidpolymer can be an acrylic acid homopolymer or an acrylic acid copolymerincluding acrylic acid and one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five,etc.) other monomeric units that are different than acrylic acid. Inembodiments, in a poly(acrylic acid) copolymer, the acrylic acid can bethe primary monomer (molar quantity), such as present in an amount ofgreater than 50% (mol), 55% (mol) or greater, 60% (mol) or greater, 65%(mol) or greater, 70% (mol) or greater, 75% (mol) or greater, 80% (mol)or greater, 85% (mol) or greater, 90% (mol) or greater, 92.5% (mol) orgreater, 95% (mol) or greater, 97.5% (mol) or 99% (mol) or greater. Inexemplary embodiments, acrylic acid is present in the copolymer in therange of about 75% (mol) to about 100% (mol), about 85% (mol) to about100% (mol), about 95% (mol) to about 100% (mol), or about 98% (mol) toabout 100% (mol).

In some embodiments, the acrylic acid polymer in the top coating mayhave an average molecular weight of 150 kDa or greater. In yet otherembodiments the acrylic acid polymer in the top coating may have anaverage molecular weight of 250 kDa or greater, 350 kDa, 450 kDa, 550kDa, 650 kDa or greater or even in some cases an average molecularweight of 750 kDa or greater.

In some modes of preparation, the acrylic acid polymer is prepared byfree radical polymerization of acrylic acid at (e.g., about a 0.8 Mconcentration) in deionized water. In modes where a portion of the acidgroups are neutralized, a concentrated base such as NaOH is added to theacrylic acid solution. Next, an initiator such as ammonium persulfate isadded with stirring. The polymerization solution can be degassed withnitrogen and stirred for hours (e.g., 12-24 hours) at an elevatedtemperature (e.g., greater than 50° C.). The polymer can then bepolymerized against continuous flow deionized water using 12-14 Kdialysis tubing, and then isolated by lyophilization.

The acrylic acid polymer of the second polymeric layer can undergohydrogen bonding with the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer of the firstpolymeric layer. More specifically, hydrogen bonding between thepolymers can involve the carbonyl oxygens of both the pyrrolidone ringand the carboxylic acid.

In other embodiments, the second polymeric layer that is a top coatingalso includes a second cross-linking agent comprising at least twophotoreactive groups, or an acrylamide polymer comprising at least onephotoreactive group. The second cross-linking agent may be the same ordifferent than the first cross-linking agent. In some embodiments, theacrylamide polymer can comprise acrylamide,acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate groups (AMPS), andpoly(ethyleneglycol) groups. For example, in a specific embodiment, theacrylamide polymer can be N-acetylatedpoly[acrylamide-co-sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate-co-N-(3-(4-benzoylbenzamido)propyl)methacrylamide]-co-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate.Reagents and method for the preparation of polymers comprisingpolyacrylamide in accordance with embodiments herein can be found in canbe found in references such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,979,959; 5,002,582;5,263,992; 5,414,075; 5,512,329; and 5,637,460, the content of which areincorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, some of the components of the second polymericlayer that is the top coating comprise photoreactive groups. In someembodiments, the second polymeric layer that is the top coating hasamounts of acrylic acid polymer and acrylamide polymer at a ratio in therange of about 2:1 to about 1:2 (wt./wt.), respectively. In someembodiments, the second polymeric layer that is the top coating hasamounts of acrylic acid polymer and second cross-linking agentcomprising at least two photoreactive groups at a ratio of about 13:1(wt./wt.). Within the second polymeric layer that is the top coating,the components can be homogenously mixed in some embodiments.

If desired, the coating can be analyzed to determine one or more coatingproperties. For example, the microscopy can be carried out to determinecoating quality and coating thickness. In some embodiments, the coatinghas a thickness in the range of about 500 nm to about 10 μm, about 750nm to about 7.5 μm, or about 1 μm to about 5 μm. Coating properties suchas lubricity can be measured, as well as analysis of particulate levels.

The coating exhibits lubricity that may be observed as relative lowfriction. In some embodiments, the coating can be lubricious afterexposure to water. The coating may exhibit lubricity of between 0 and 30grams of force when wetted as measured by a vertical pinch test, such asthat described below. In some embodiments, the coating may exhibitlubricity of less than about 20 grams of force when wetted. In someembodiments, the coating may exhibit lubricity of less than about 15grams of force when wetted.

In various embodiments, the coating may be described in terms ofdurability of the lubricity. For example, the lubricity may be retainedover an extended period of time when the coating is exposed tofrictional forces. For example, in some embodiments, lubricity may bemaintained over a plurality of frictional testing cycles. In someembodiments, the coating may exhibit a lubricity of between 0 and 30grams of force when wetted for at least 10 consecutive testing cycles.In some embodiments, such as where at least 15 frictional test cyclesare performed, the measured lubricity will increase no more than 30%between the average of cycles 1-5 and the average of cycles 10-15 of thetesting.

The coating may exhibit a relatively low amount of particulate releasewhen exposed to an aqueous environment. A description of particulatelevels can be based on a predetermined coating area and thickness. Inone mode of measurement the particle counts are based on 600 mm² ofcoated surface having a coating thickness in the range of 500 nm to 10μm. However, it is understood that the particle count can be based oncoating areas of greater or less than 600 mm². For example, the coatingwill generate less than 20,000 particles of greater than 10 microns insize in an aqueous environment. In some embodiments, the coating willgenerate less than 10,000 particles of greater than 10 microns in sizein an aqueous environment. In some embodiments, the coating willgenerate less than 5,000 particles of greater than 10 microns in size inan aqueous environment. In some embodiments, the coating will generateless than 3,000 particles of greater than 10 microns in size in anaqueous environment. In some embodiments, the coating will generate lessthan 1,000 particles of greater than 10 microns in size in an aqueousenvironment. It will be appreciated that in accordance with variousembodiments herein, the properties of lubricity and low particulaterelease are both present.

In some embodiments the coating has a particle count (particle sizesmeasured at greater than 10 μm) in the range of 500 to 10,000, in therange of 500 to 7500, in the range of 500 to 6000, in the range of 500to 5000, in the range of 500 to 4500, in the range of 500 to 4000, inthe range of 500 to 3750, in the range of 500 to 3500, in the range of500 to 3250, or in the range of 500 to 3000, in the range of 800 to1500, in the range of 1200 to 2000, in the range of 1500 to 3000, in therange of 2000 to 4500, in the range of 3000 to 4000, in the range of 100to 500, or in the range of 3000 to 5000, per 600 mm² of coated surfacehaving a coating thickness in the range of 100 nm to 10 μm.

Testing of the particulates generated in aqueous solution for theembodiments herein can be performed according to the followingprocedure. As a derivative of the procedures described in ASTM F2394,substrates can be passed through a tortuous path in an aqueous solution.

In some embodiments, the first polymeric layer including the vinylpyrrolidone polymer and/or the second polymeric layer including theacrylic acid polymer can have a hemocompatible (blood compatible)property. For example, a medical article with a hemocompatible coatingcan reduce effects that may associated with placing a foreign object incontact with blood components, such as the formation of thrombus oremboli (blood clots that release and travel downstream). Thehemocompatible property of the coating can be observed as compared to amedical device that does not have the coating. Optionally, the coatingcan be further modified with hemocompatible proteins or peptides asdiscussed herein to enhance the hemocompatible (blood compatible)property.

An assay for measuring hemocompatibility of a coated surface can beperformed using any one of a variety of tests. Techniques, such asincluding clot-based tests, such an artificial circulation (Chandlerloop) using whole blood augmented with platelets (e.g., see Robbie, L.A., et al. (1997) Thromb Haemost. 77:510-5), or the in-vitro bovineblood loop, chromogenic or color assays, direct chemical measurements,and ELISAs, are used for coagulation testing (e.g., see, Bates, S. M.,and Weitz, J. I. (2005) Circulation, 112:53-60; and Walenga, J. M., etal. (2004) Semin Thromb Hemost. 30:683-695). Whereas clotting assaysprovide a global assessment of coagulation function, chromogenic testsare designed to measure the level or function of specific factors.

As used herein, the phrases “latent photoreactive group” and“photoreactive group” are used interchangeably and refer to a chemicalmoiety that is sufficiently stable to remain in an inactive state (i.e.,ground state) under normal storage conditions but that can undergo atransformation from the inactive state to an activated state whensubjected to an appropriate energy source. Unless otherwise stated,references to photoreactive groups herein shall also include thereaction products of the photoreactive groups. Photoreactive groupsrespond to specific applied external stimuli to undergo active speciegeneration with resultant covalent bonding to an adjacent chemicalstructure. For example, in an embodiment, a photoreactive group can beactivated and can abstract a hydrogen atom from an alkyl group. Acovalent bond can then form between the compound with the photoreactivegroup and the compound with the C—H bond. Suitable photoreactive groupsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,582, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Photoreactive groups can be chosen to be responsive to various portionsof actinic radiation. Typically, groups are chosen that can bephotoactivated using either ultraviolet or visible radiation. Suitablephotoreactive groups include, for example, azides, diazos, diazirines,ketones, and quinones. The photoreactive groups generate active speciessuch as free radicals including, for example, nitrenes, carbenes, andexcited states of ketones upon absorption of electromagnetic energy.

In some embodiments, the photoreactive group is an aryl ketone, such asacetophenone, benzophenone, anthrone, and anthrone-like heterocycles(i.e., heterocyclic analogs of anthrone such as those having N, O, or Sin the 10-position), or their substituted (e.g., ring substituted)derivatives. Examples of aryl ketones include heterocyclic derivativesof anthrone, including acridone, xanthone, and thioxanthone, and theirring substituted derivatives. Other suitable photoreactive groupsinclude quinones such as, for example, anthraquinone.

The functional groups of such aryl ketones can undergo multipleactivation/inactivation/reactivation cycles. For example, benzophenoneis capable of photochemical excitation with the initial formation of anexcited singlet state that undergoes intersystem crossing to the tripletstate. The excited triplet state can insert into carbon-hydrogen bondsby abstraction of a hydrogen atom (from a polymeric coating layer, forexample), thus creating a radical pair. Subsequent collapse of theradical pair leads to formation of a new carbon-carbon bond. If areactive bond (e.g., carbon/hydrogen) is not available for bonding, theultraviolet light-induced excitation of the benzophenone group isreversible and the molecule returns to ground state energy level uponremoval of the energy source. Photoreactive aryl ketones such asbenzophenone and acetophenone can undergo multiple reactivations inwater and hence can provide increased coating efficiency.

The azides constitute another class of photoreactive groups and includearylazides (C₆R₅N₃) such as phenyl azide and 4-fluoro-3-nitrophenylazide; acyl azides (—CO—N₃) such as benzoyl azide and p-methylbenzoylazide; azido formates (—O—CO—N₃) such as ethyl azidoformate and phenylazidoformate; sulfonyl azides (—SO₂—N₃) such as benzenesulfonyl azide;and phosphoryl azides (RO)₂PON₃ such as diphenyl phosphoryl azide anddiethyl phosphoryl azide.

Diazo compounds constitute another class of photoreactive groups andinclude diazoalkanes (—CHN₂) such as diazomethane anddiphenyldiazomethane; diazoketones (—CO—CHN₂) such as diazoacetophenoneand 1-trifluoromethyl-1-diazo-2-pentanone; diazoacetates (—O—CO—CHN₂)such as t-butyl diazoacetate and phenyl diazoacetate; andbeta-keto-alpha-diazoacetates (—CO—CN₂—CO—O—) such as t-butyl alphadiazoacetoacetate.

Other photoreactive groups include the diazirines (—CHN₂) such as3-trifluoromethyl-3-phenyldiazirine; and ketenes (—CH═C═O) such asketene and diphenylketene.

In particular embodiments, the photoreactive groups are aryl ketones,such as benzophenone.

Cross-linking agents used in accordance with embodiments herein caninclude those with at least two photoreactive groups. Exemplarycross-linking agents are described in U.S. Publ. Pat. App. No.2011/0245367, the content of which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety. In some embodiments, the first and/or secondcrosslinking agents have a molecular weight of less than about 1500 kDa.In some embodiments, the crosslinking agent can have a molecular weightof less than about 1200, 1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, or 400.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and/or secondcross-linking agents may comprise a linking agent having formulaPhoto¹-LG-Photo², wherein Photo¹ and Photo², independently represent atleast one photoreactive group and LG represents a linking groupcomprising at least one silicon or at least one phosphorus atom, thereis a covalent linkage between at least one photoreactive group and thelinking group, wherein the covalent linkage between at least onephotoreactive group and the linking group is interrupted by at least oneheteroatom.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first and/or secondcross-linking agents comprises a linking agent having a formula selectedfrom (a):

wherein R¹, R², R⁸ and R⁹ are any substitution; R³, R⁴, R⁶ and R⁷ arealkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof; R⁵ is any substitution; and eachX, independently, is O, N, Se, S, or alkyl, or a combination thereof;(b):

wherein R¹ and R⁵ are any substitution; R² and R⁴ can be anysubstitution, except OH; R³ can be alkyl, aryl, or a combinationthereof; and each X, independently, is O, N, Se, S, alkyl, or acombination thereof; (c):

wherein R¹, R², R⁴ and R⁵ are any substitution; R³ is any substitution;R⁶ and R⁷ are alkyl, aryl, or a combination thereof; and each X,independently, is O, N. Se, S, alkyl, or a combination thereof; and (d):

In other embodiments, the first and/or second cross-linking agent(s) canbe an ionic photocrosslinking agent having good solubility in an aqueouscomposition, such as the first and/or second coating composition used toprepare the first polymeric layer and/or second polymeric layer. Thus,in some embodiments, at least one ionic photoactivatable cross-linkingagent is used to form the coating. In some cases, an ionicphotoactivatable cross-linking agent can crosslink the polymers withinthe second coating layer which can also improve the durability of thecoating.

Any suitable ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent can be used. Insome embodiments, the ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent is acompound of formula I: X¹—Y—X² where Y is a radical containing at leastone acidic group, basic group, or a salt of an acidic group or basicgroup. X¹ and X² are each independently a radical containing a latentphotoreactive group. The photoreactive groups can be the same as thosedescribed herein. Spacers can also be part of X¹ or X² along with thelatent photoreactive group. In some embodiments, the latentphotoreactive group includes an aryl ketone or a quinone.

The radical Y in formula I can provide desired water solubility for theionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent. The water solubility (atroom temperature and optimal pH) can be at least about 0.05 mg/mL. Insome embodiments, the solubility is about 0.1 mg/mL to about 10 mg/mL orabout 1 mg/mL to about 5 mg/mL.

In some embodiments of formula I, Y is a radical containing at least oneacidic group or salt thereof. Such a photoactivatable cross-linkingagent can be anionic depending upon the pH of the coating composition.Suitable acidic groups include, for example, sulfonic acids, carboxylicacids, phosphonic acids, and the like. Suitable salts of such groupsinclude, for example, sulfonate, carboxylate, and phosphate salts. Insome embodiments, the ionic cross-linking agent includes a sulfonic acidor sulfonate group. Suitable counter ions include alkali, alkalineearths metals, ammonium, protonated amines, and the like.

For example, a compound of formula I can have a radical Y that containsa sulfonic acid or sulfonate group; X¹ and X² can contain photoreactivegroups such as aryl ketones. Such compounds include4,5-bis(4-benzoylphenylmethyleneoxy) benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid orsalt; 2,5-bis(4-benzoylphenylmethyleneoxy) benzene-1,4-disulfonic acidor salt; 2,5-bis(4-benzoylmethyleneoxy)benzene-1-sulfonic acid or salt;N,N-bis[2-(4-benzoylbenzyloxy)ethyl]-2-aminoethane-sulfonic acid orsalt, and the like. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,018. The counter ion of thesalt can be, for example, ammonium or an alkali metal such as sodium,potassium, or lithium.

In other embodiments of formula I, Y can be a radical that contains abasic group or a salt thereof. Such Y radicals can include, for example,an ammonium, a phosphonium, or a sulfonium group. The group can beneutral or positively charged, depending upon the pH of the coatingcomposition. In some embodiments, the radical Y includes an ammoniumgroup. Suitable counter ions include, for example, carboxylates,halides, sulfate, and phosphate. For example, compounds of formula I canhave a Y radical that contains an ammonium group; X₁ and X₂ can containphotoreactive groups that include aryl ketones. Such photoactivatablecross-linking agents includeethylenebis(4-benzoylbenzyl-dimethylammonium) salt; hexamethylenebis(4-benzoylbenzyldimethyl-ammonium) salt;1,4-bis(4-benzoylbenzyl)-1,4-dimethylpiperazinediium) salt,bis(4-benzoylbenzyl)hexamethylenetetraminediium salt,bis[2-(4-benzoylbenzyl-dimethylammonio)ethyl]-4-benzoylbenzylmethylammoniumsalt; 4,4-bis(4-benzoylbenzyl)morpholinium salt;ethylenebis[(2-(4-benzoylbenzyldimethyl-ammonio)ethyl)-4-benzoylbenzylmethylammonium]salt; and 1,1,4,4-tetrakis(4-benzoylbenzyl)piperzinediium salt. See U.S.Pat. No. 5,714,360. The counter ion is typically a carboxylate ion or ahalide. On one embodiment, the halide is bromide.

In other embodiments, the ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent canbe a compound having the formula:

wherein X¹ includes a first photoreactive group; X² includes a secondphotoreactive group; Y includes a core molecule; Z includes at least onecharged group; D¹ includes a first degradable linker; and D² includes asecond degradable linker. Exemplary degradable ionic photoactivatablecross-linking agents are described in US Patent Application PublicationUS 2011/0144373 (Swan et al., “Water Soluble Degradable Crosslinker”),the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some aspects a non-ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent can beused. In one embodiment, the non-ionic photoactivatable cross-linkingagent has the formula xR¹R²R³R⁴, where X is a non-ionic chemicalbackbone, and R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are radicals that include a latentphotoreactive group. Exemplary non-ionic cross-linking agents aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,414,075 and 5,637,460 (Swanet al., “Restrained Multifunctional Reagent for Surface Modification”).Chemically, the first and second photoreactive groups, and respectivespacers, can be the same or different.

In other embodiments, the non-ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agentcan be represented by the formula: PG²-LE²-X-LE¹-PG¹, wherein PG¹ andPG² include, independently, one or more photoreactive groups, forexample, an aryl ketone photoreactive group, including, but not limitedto, aryl ketones such as acetophenone, benzophenone, anthraquinone,anthrone, anthrone-like heterocycles, their substituted derivatives or acombination thereof; LE¹ and LE² are, independently, linking elements,including, for example, segments that include urea, carbamate, or acombination thereof; and X represents a core molecule, which can beeither polymeric or non-polymeric, including, but not limited to ahydrocarbon, including a hydrocarbon that is linear, branched, cyclic,or a combination thereof; aromatic, non-aromatic, or a combinationthereof; monocyclic, polycyclic, carbocyclic, heterocyclic, or acombination thereof; benzene or a derivative thereof; or a combinationthereof. Exemplary non-ionic crosslinking agents are described, forexample, in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/316,030 filed Dec. 9, 2011(Publ. No. US 2012/0149934) (Kurdyumov, “Photocrosslinker”), thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Further embodiments of non-ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agentscan include, for example, those described in U.S. ProvisionalApplication 61/494,724 filed Jun. 8, 2011 (now U.S. application Ser. No.13/490,994) (Swan et al., “Photo-Vinyl Primers/Crosslinkers”), thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplarycross-linking agents can include non-ionic photoactivatablecross-linking agents having the general formula R¹—X—R², wherein R¹ is aradical comprising a vinyl group, X is a radical comprising from aboutone to about twenty carbon atoms, and R² is a radical comprising aphotoreactive group.

Other exemplary non-ionic cross-linking agents include those formed by amixture of the chemical backbone molecule (such as pentaerythritol) andan excess of a derivative of the photoreactive group (such as4-bromomethylbenzo-phenone). An exemplary product istetrakis(4-benzoylbenzyl ether) of pentaerythritol(tetrakis(4-benzoylphenylmethoxymethyl)methane). See U.S. Pat. Nos.5,414,075 and 5,637,460.

A single photoactivatable cross-linking agent or any combination ofphotoactivatable cross-linking agents can be used in forming thecoating. In some embodiments, at least one nonionic cross-linking agentsuch as tetrakis(4-benzoylbenzyl ether) of pentaerythritol can be usedwith at least one ionic cross-linking agent. For example, at least onenon-ionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent can be used with at leastone cationic photoactivatable cross-linking agent such as anethylenebis(4-benzoylbenzyldimethylammonium) salt or at least oneanionic photoactivatable cross-linking agent such as4,5-bis(4-benzoyl-phenylmethyleneoxy)benzene-1,3-disulfonic acid orsalt. In another example, at least one nonionic cross-linking agent canbe used with at least one cationic cross-linking agent and at least oneanionic cross-linking agent. In yet another example, a least onecationic cross-linking agent can be used with at least one anioniccross-linking agent but without a non-ionic cross-linking agent.

An exemplary cross-linking agent is disodium4,5-bis[(4-benzoylbenzyl)oxy]-1,3-benzenedisulfonate (DBDS). Thisreagent can be prepared by combining4,5-dihydroxylbenzyl-1,3-disulfonate (CHBDS) with4-bromomethylbenzophenone (BMBP) in THF and sodium hydroxide, thenrefluxing and cooling the mixture followed by purification andrecrystallization (also as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,360,incorporated herein by reference).

A further exemplary cross-linking agent is ethylenebis(4-benzoylbenzyldimethylammonium) dibromide. This agent can be preparedas described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,360, the content of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

Further cross-linking agents can include the cross-linking agentsdescribed in U.S. Publ. Pat. App. No. 2010/0274012 and U.S. Pat. No.7,772,393 the content of all of which is herein incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, cross-linking agents can include boron-containinglinking agents including, but not limited to, the boron-containinglinking agents disclosed in U.S. 61/666,516, entitled “Boron-ContainingLinking Agents” by Kurdyumov et al., the content of which is hereinincorporated by reference. By way of example, linking agents can includeborate, borazine, or boronate groups and coatings and devices thatincorporate such linking agents, along with related methods. In anembodiment, the linking agent includes a compound having the structure(I):

wherein R¹ is a radical comprising a photoreactive group; R² is selectedfrom OH and a radical comprising a photoreactive group, an akyl groupand an aryl group; and R³ is selected from OH and a radical comprising aphotoreactive group. In some embodiments the bonds B—R¹, B—R² and B—R³can be chosen independently to be interrupted by a heteroatom, such asO, N, S, or mixtures thereof.

Additional agents for use with embodiments herein can includestilbene-based reactive compounds including, but not limited to, thosedisclosed in U.S. 61/736,436, entitled “Stilbene-Based ReactiveCompounds, Polymeric Matrices Formed Therefrom, and ArticlesVisualizable by Fluorescence” by Kurdyumov et al., the content of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

Additional photoreactive agents, cross-linking agents, hydrophiliccoatings, and associated reagents are disclosed in US2011/0059874; US2011/0046255; and US 2010/0198168, the content of all of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, a base or first coating solution is formed byincluding a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer, optionally one or more othercompounds, in a solvent. For example, the solvent can comprise a vinylpyrrolidone polymer, having a pendent photoreactive group, or thesolvent can comprise a non-derivatized vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and afirst cross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups.In some embodiments, the first coating solution can also include amixture of a non-derivatized vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a vinylpyrrolidone polymer, having a pendent photoreactive group.

In some embodiments, the solvent for the first coating solution caninclude water and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The proportion of IPA towater (vol:vol) can be in the range of about 95% IPA—5% water to about10% IPA—90% water. For example, in some embodiments, the amount ofIPA:water can a ratio of about 95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25, 70:30,65:35, 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, 40:60, 35:65, 30:70, 25:75, 20:80,15:85, or 10:90 (vol:vol), or can be within a range with endpointsincluding any two of those ratios such that the total relative portionsof IPA and water are equal to 100. In some embodiments, the solvent caninclude about 75% isopropyl alcohol and about 25% water.

In some embodiments, top or second coating solution is formed byincluding the arcrylic acid polymer in a solvent. Other compound canoptionally be included in the solvent. For example, the compounds caninclude the acrylic acid polymer, a second cross-linking agentcomprising at least two photoreactive groups, a polymer comprisingpolyacrylamide, or a polymer derivatized with at least one photoreactivegroup.

In some embodiments, the solvent for the second coating solution caninclude water and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The proportion of IPA towater (vol:vol) can be in the range of 0% IPA—100% water to about 60%IPA—40% water. For example in some embodiments, the amount of IPA:watercan be a ratio of about 0:100, 5:95, 10:90, 15:85, 20:80, 25:75, 30:70,35:65, 40:60, 45:55, 50:50, 55:45, 60:40 (vol:vol), or can be within arange with endpoints including any two of those ratios such that thetotal relative portions of IPA and water are equal to 100. In someembodiments, the solvent can include about 15% isopropyl alcohol andabout 85% water.

The viscosity of the solutions can vary. In some embodiments, theviscosity of the second solution is less than about 100 centipoise (cP).In some embodiments, the viscosity of the second solution is equal to orless than about 90, 80, 70 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 cP.

The first coating solution can be applied to a substrate. Prior toapplication of the first coating solution to the substrate, one or moreof many different pretreatment steps can be taken. In some embodiments,the surface of the substrate can be cleaned. For example, the surfacecan be wiped or dipped into an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol. Insome embodiments, the substrate can be put into a detergent solutionsuch as a VALTRON solution and sonicated. In some embodiments, acompound can be disposed on the surface of the substrate to act as a tielayer. In some embodiments the surface of the substrate can besterilized.

Many different techniques can be used to apply the solution to thesubstrate. By way of example, exemplary techniques can include dropcoating, blade coating, dip coating, spray coating, and the like. Invarious embodiments, the solution is applied by dip coating. The speedof dip coating can vary. For example, the substrate can be dipped intothe base coating solution and then withdrawn at speeds between 0.01 and10 cm/s. In some embodiments, the substrate can be dipped into the basecoating solution and then withdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 4 cm/s. Insome embodiments, the substrate can be dipped into the first coatingsolution and then withdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 2 cm/s. In someembodiments, the substrate can be dipped into the first coating solutionand then withdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 1.5 cm/s. In someembodiments, the substrate can be dipped into the first coating solutionand then withdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 1 cm/s. In someembodiments, the substrate can be dipped into the first coating solutionand then withdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 0.5 cm/s. In someembodiments, the substrate can be withdrawn at speeds between 0.2 and0.4 cm/s. In some embodiments, the substrate can be withdrawn at speedsof about 0.3 cm/s.

After the first coating solution is applied to the substrate, actinicradiation such as UV radiation, can be applied to activate photoreactivegroups within the components of the first coating solution forming thebase layer. Actinic radiation can be provided by any suitable lightsource that promotes activation of the photoreactive groups. Preferredlight sources (such as those available from Dymax Corp.) provide UVirradiation in the range of 190 nm to 360 nm. An exemplary UV lightsource is a Dymax 2000-EC series UV flood lamp with a 400 Watt metalhalide bulb. A suitable dose of radiation is in the range of from about0.5 mW/cm² to about 2.0 mW/cm². Optionally, the base coating solutioncan be dried, before or after application of the actinic radiation.

The second coating solution can be applied on top of the first polymericlayer. Many different techniques can be used to apply the solution tothe substrate. In a particular embodiment, the solution is applied bydip coating. The speed of dip coating can vary. For example, thesubstrate can be dipped into the second coating solution and thenwithdrawn at speeds between 0.01 and 10 cm/s. In some embodiments, thesubstrate can be dipped into the second coating solution and thenwithdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 4 cm/s. In some embodiments, thesubstrate can be dipped into the second coating solution and thenwithdrawn at speeds between 0.1 and 0.5 cm/s. In some embodiments, thesubstrate can be withdrawn at speeds between 0.2 and 0.4 cm/s. In someembodiments, the substrate can be withdrawn at speeds of about 0.3 cm/s.

In other embodiments, a coating composition including an acrylic acidpolymer is applied to a device material formed by the extrusion of acomposition that includes a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and athermoplastic, such as PEBAX. Implantable or insertable medical devices,or portions thereof, made using an extrusion process are describedherein, and are also known in the art.

The coating composition applied to the extruded material may include asecond cross-linking agent comprising at least two photoreactive groups,a polymer comprising polyacrylamide, or a polymer derivatized with atleast one photoreactive group. In this embodiment, the extruded materialcontaining a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer (on which the acrylic acidpolymer coating is applied) can be considered a “device material” asopposed to a “first polymeric layer” or “base coat” that includes thevinyl pyrrolidone polymer, according to other embodiments of thedisclosure.

In this embodiment, the polymeric layer including the acrylic acidpolymer is directly in contact with the extruded material of the devicethat includes the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a thermoplastic. Thepolyacrylic acid coating on the extruded material can consist of asingle polymeric layer including the polyacrylic acid, or can optionallyinclude more than one polymeric layer, with the polyacrylicacid-containing layer present between the extruded vinyl pyrrolidonepolymer/thermoplastic material of the device, and any other optionallayer(s) in the coating.

The polymeric layer including the acrylic acid polymer can be formed onthe extruded vinyl pyrrolidone polymer/thermoplastic material of thedevice using one or more techniques. In some modes of practice thecoating composition is applied by dip coating, such as by dip coating adevice formed from extruded vinyl pyrrolidone polymer/thermoplasticpolymeric material according to the dip coating techniques as describedherein.

In other modes of practice, the polymeric layer including the acrylicacid polymer can be formed on the extruded material surface as theextruded device exits the extrusion apparatus. For example one methodfor preparing the coated device includes a step of extruding acomposition comprising vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a thermoplasticpolymer, using extrusion equipment to form all or a portion of anextruded device. For example, the extruded device may be in the form ofa tube, or extrusion may form a thin extruded layer on the preformedtube, or a coextruded tube. The extruded device includes a portion(surface) made of vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a thermoplastic thatcomes into contact with the liquid solution containing a polyacrylicacid (e.g., a “coating bath”). The liquid solution can provide a dualrole in the process, cooling the extruded material and providing acoating bath of polyacrylic acid. The rate of movement of the extrudedmaterial through the coating bath of polyacrylic acid can be in therange as described for dip coating.

Optionally, a UV activatable photogroup can be included in the extrudedcomposition including the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer/thermoplasticpolymeric material, in the coating bath of polyacrylic acid, or both. UVactivatable photogroup may be present on a crosslinking compound,pendent from a polymeric material, or both. If the device with coatingis formed using a UV activatable group the extrusion and coating can befollowed by a step of UV curing, where the extruded and coated device ismoved through a UV irradiation area. A step of UV curing can beperformed, for example, to promote covalent bonding via the UVactivatable group, in the extruded material, the applied acrylic acidpolymer-containing coating, or both.

In the case where the extruded, coated device is in the form of flexibletubing, the method can optionally include an apparatus to collect thetubing, such as an automated rolling apparatus.

In other modes of practice, the coating including acrylic acid polymercan be applied to the extruded material surface after the extrudeddevice has been cooled in a water bath. For example, another method forpreparing the coated device includes a step of extruding a compositioncomprising vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a thermoplastic using extrusionequipment, a step of cooling the extruded device in a water bath, andthen a step of coating the cooled, extruded device with a compositioncomprising acrylic acid polymer. The coating composition can be appliedusing an application having a rotating feature, such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,192,484 (Chappa et al.)

Optional steps of UV curing in a UV irradiation area and tubingcollection, using an automated rolling apparatus, can be performed.

In other modes of practice, one or more of the coating compositions(e.g., first, second) are applied using a coating apparatus as describein U.S. Publication No. 2013/0337147 (Chappa et al.) which describes acoating method and apparatus having a coating application unitcomprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; an airnozzle; and a rotation mechanism; and an axial motion mechanism, theaxial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one ofthe coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect toone another.

Substrates on which the coating can be formed can be partially orentirely fabricated from a metal, ceramic, glass, or the like, or acombination thereof. Substrates can include polymers such aspolyurethanes and polyurethane copolymers, polyethylene, polyolefins,styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyisoprene, isobutylene-isoprenecopolymers (butyl rubber), including halogenated butyl rubber,butadiene-styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, silicone polymers,fluorosilicone polymers, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyesters,polyvinyl chloride, polyether-polyester copolymers, polyether-polyimidecopolymers, and the like. The substrate can be made of a singlematerial, or a combination of materials.

Substrate polymers can also include those formed of synthetic polymers,including oligomers, homopolymers, and copolymers resulting from eitheraddition or condensation polymerizations. Examples of suitable additionpolymers include, but are not limited to, acrylics such as thosepolymerized from methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, hydroxyethylmethacrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,glyceryl acrylate, glyceryl methacrylate, methacrylamide, andacrylamide; vinyls such as ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylacetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinylidene difluoride, and styrene. Examplesof condensation polymers include, but are not limited to, nylons such aspolycaprolactam, polylauryl lactam, polyhexamethylene adipamide, andpolyhexamethylene dodecanediamide, and also polyurethanes,polycarbonates, polyamides, polysulfones, poly(ethylene terephthalate),polydimethylsiloxanes, and polyetherketone.

In some embodiments, the substrate includes a polymer selected from thegroup consisting of polyamide, polyimide, polyether block amide (PEBAX),polyether ether ketone (PEEK), high density polyethylene (HDPE),polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyethylene vinyl acetate.

Metals that can be used as substrates in medical articles includeplatinum, gold, or tungsten, as well as other metals such as rhenium,palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, titanium, nickel, and alloys of thesemetals, such as stainless steel, titanium/nickel, nitinol alloys, cobaltchrome alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and platinum/iridium alloys. Oneexemplary alloy is MP35.

In some embodiments the substrate, or a portion of the substrate, isformed by melt extruding a thermoplastic elastomer with a vinylpyrrolidone polymer. A “thermoplastic elastomer” (or a “thermoplasticrubber”) refers to a rubber-like material that can be processed likethermoplastic materials. Thermoplastic elastomers include copolymers andpolymer blends, including those specifically described herein, havingelastomeric and thermoplastic properties. Thermoplastic elastomersinclude styrene-based block copolymers, polyolefin polymers,thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, andthermoplastic polyamides, such as polyether block amide (PEBAX)polymers.

Melt extrusion can be carried out by combining raw polymeric materialsincluding a thermoplastic elastomer, such as PEBAX, and a vinylpyrrolidone polymer, such poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). In some modesof practice, the extrusion uses a mixture of having an amount of vinylpyrrolidone polymer that is lower than the amount of the thermoplasticelastomer (e.g., a low PVP/PEBAX ratio). For example, in someembodiments the vinyl pyrrolidone polymer is present in the extrusioncomposition in an amount of about 45% (wt) or less, about 40% (wt) orless, about 35% (wt) or less, or about 30% (wt) or less; such as in therange of about 5% (wt) to about 45% (wt), or about 10% (wt) to about 40%(wt). In some embodiments the thermoplastic elastomer, such as PEBAX, ispresent in the extrusion composition in an amount of about 55% (wt) orgreater, about 60% (wt) or greater, about 65% (wt) or greater, or about70% (wt) or greater; such as in the range of about 55% (wt) to about 95%(wt), or about 60% (wt) to about 90% (wt).

Melt extrusion of the polymeric materials can be performed using methodsand melt extrusion equipment known in the art. For example, thepolymeric starting materials, such as in the form of pellets orgranules, can be fed into feeders which provide the pellets/granulesinto a mixing barrel having one or more heat zone(s). The melt extrudercan include a screw for the heating and mixing of prior to extrusionthrough the die.

In some embodiments, the melt extruded polymeric materials forms most orall of the device material. For example, melt extruded PVP/PEBAX canform a conduit, such as tubing that can be a part of a catheter assemblyas described herein or those known in the art. The melt extrudedPVP/PEBAX can then be coated with a composition that includes an acrylicacid polymer on the outer surface, inner surface, or both outer andinner surfaces using techniques as described herein.

In other cases, melt extruded PVP/PEBAX can form a portion of themedical device, with the coating that includes the acrylic acid polymerin contact with the PVP/PEBAX portion. For example, the PVP/PEBAX canform a first portion of the device in contact with the coating, and thedevice can include a second portion, etc., that is a distinct portion ofthe device made from a different material, or different materialcombination.

In some modes of construction, the extruded PVP/PEBAX is present as afirst portion of the device that is formed by extrusion on another(e.g., second) portion of the device. The second portion of the devicecan be made from another thermoplastic, or made from a metal. The secondportion of the device can be formed into a desired shape orconfiguration prior to extruding the PVP/PEBAX on the second portion.

In other modes of construction, the PVP/PEBAX can be co-extruded with adifferent thermoplastic, or different thermoplastic combination, so thePVP/PEBAX forms a first portion of the device, and the differentthermoplastic forms a second portion of the device. For example,PVP/PEBAX can be co-extruded with a nylon or PTFE.

In some constructions the PVP/PEBAX is extruded as a thin layer (firstportion) on a second portion of the device that substantially thickerthan the first portion. For example, the PVP/PEBAX is extruded as a thinlayer on the inner surface, outer surface, or both inner and outersurface of the second portion of the device which is a tube made from adifferent thermoplastic, such as nylon or PTFE, or metal. The meltextruded PVP/PEBAX forming the thin layer can then be coated with acomposition that includes the acrylic acid polymer using techniques asdescribed herein.

Optionally, a UV activatable photogroup can be included in the extrudedPVP/PEBAX device, extruded PVP/PEBAX layer, acrylic acidpolymer-containing coating, or combinations thereof. The UV activatablephotogroup may be present on a crosslinking compound, pendent from apolymeric material, or both.

The methods and materials of the disclosure can be utilized to coatvirtually any medical device for which it is desired to provide ahydrophilic and lubricious coating on a surface. In particular, thecoatings are particularly useful for medical articles that can beinserted into and moved within the body.

Exemplary medical articles include vascular implants and grafts, grafts,surgical devices; synthetic prostheses; vascular prosthesis includingendoprosthesis, stent-graft, and endovascular-stent combinations; smalldiameter grafts, abdominal aortic aneurysm grafts; wound dressings andwound management device; hemostatic barriers; mesh and hernia plugs;patches, including uterine bleeding patches, atrial septic defect (ASD)patches, patent foramen ovale (PFO) patches, ventricular septal defect(VSD) patches, and other generic cardiac patches; ASD, PFO, and VSDclosures; percutaneous closure devices, mitral valve repair devices;left atrial appendage filters; valve annuloplasty devices, catheters;central venous access catheters, vascular access catheters, abscessdrainage catheters, drug infusion catheters, parenteral feedingcatheters, intravenous catheters (e.g., treated with antithromboticagents), stroke therapy catheters, blood pressure and stent graftcatheters; anastomosis devices and anastomotic closures; aneurysmexclusion devices; biosensors including glucose sensors; cardiacsensors; birth control devices; breast implants; infection controldevices; membranes; tissue scaffolds; tissue-related materials; shuntsincluding cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) shunts, glaucoma drain shunts;dental devices and dental implants; ear devices such as ear drainagetubes, tympanostomy vent tubes; ophthalmic devices; cuffs and cuffportions of devices including drainage tube cuffs, implanted druginfusion tube cuffs, catheter cuff; sewing cuff; spinal and neurologicaldevices; nerve regeneration conduits; neurological catheters;neuropatches; orthopedic devices such as orthopedic joint implants, bonerepair/augmentation devices, cartilage repair devices; urologicaldevices and urethral devices such as urological implants, bladderdevices, renal devices and hemodialysis devices, colostomy bagattachment devices; biliary drainage products, vena cava filters, andembolic protection filters and devices and electrophysiology mapping andablation catheters.

In some embodiments coatings of the present disclosure can be used onexemplary medical devices such as braided catheters. In yet otherembodiments the coatings can be used advantageously on braided catheters(e.g. PEBAX®).

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary device is shown in accordancewith a specific embodiment. The device 400 can be, for example, acatheter, such as an angioplasty balloon catheter. Balloon catheterconstructions are described in various documents, for example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,195,637, 5,041,089, 5,087,246, 5,318,587, 5,382,234, 5,571,089,5,776,101, 5,807,331, 5,882,336, 6,394,995, 6,517,515, 6,623,504,6,896,842, and 7,163,523. The device 400 includes a catheter shaft 402and a manifold end 405. The device 400 also includes an inflatableballoon 404 disposed around the catheter shaft 402. In FIG. 4, theballoon 404 is shown in an inflated configuration. The catheter shaft402 can include a channel to convey air through the catheter shaft 402and to or from the balloon 404, so that the balloon 404 can selectivelygo from a deflated configuration to the inflated configuration and backagain. The catheter shaft, and/or the balloon, can have a coating, suchas those described herein, disposed thereon.

Aspects may be better understood with reference to the followingexamples. These examples are intended to be representative of specificembodiments, but are not intended as limiting the overall scope ofembodiments herein.

Examples

The following reagents, coating solutions, and substrates were used forthe examples herein:

PA-BBA-AMPS-PEG

N-Acetylatedpoly[acrylamide^(93.6%)-co-sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate^(4.9%)-co-N-(3-(4-benzoylbenzamido)propyl)methacrylamide^(0.9%)]-co-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) 1000 monomethacrylate^(0.6)% (percentages are molepercents) was obtained (PA-BBA-AMPS-PEG). This reagent can be preparedas described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,979,959; 5,263,992; and 5,512,329.

Photo-PVP

Polyvinylpyrrolidone having an average molecular weight of about 1,450kDa with benzophenone photoreactive groups was prepared according to themethods described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,329.

BPP

The cross-linking agent sodium bis(4-benzoylphenyl) phosphate wasprepared according to the methods described in U.S. Publ. Pat. App. No.2011/0245367.

PAA Acid Form

Poly(acrylic acid) having an average molecular weight of 450 kDa waspurchased from Sigma-Aldrich.

PAA Partial Salt Form

A partially salted poly(acrylic acid) was synthesized by polymerizingacrylic acid in deionized water using free radical initiation. First,acrylic acid (0.8 M) was dissolved in deionized water with stirring in aglass reaction vessel. To this solution, 6 N sodium hydroxide wasslowing added to partially salt the acid functionality. Next, theinitiator ammonium persulfate was added to the reaction vessel withstirring. The polymerization solution was then degassed with nitrogenand placed at 55° C. for sixteen hours with stirring. Afterpolymerization, the polymer was dialyzed versus continuous flowdeionized water using 12-14 K dialysis tubing. Lastly, the polymer wasisolated via lyophilization.

Coating Solution A

A coating solution was prepared by mixing together Photo-PVP at 18 g/L;and BPP at 1 g/L in a solvent of 75% isopropyl alcohol and 25% water.

Coating Solution B

A coating solution was prepared by mixing together PAA (acid form) at10.5 g/L; PA-BBA-AMPS-PEG at 10.5 g/L; BPP at 0.1 g/L in a solvent of15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water.

Coating Solution C

A coating solution was prepared by mixing together PAA (partial saltform) at 10.5 g/L; PA-BBA-AMPS-PEG at 10.5 g/L; BPP at 0.1 g/L in asolvent of 15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water.

Coating Solution D

A coating solution was prepared by dissolving PAA (partial salt form) at20 g/L in a solvent of 15% isopropyl alcohol and 85% water.

Test Substrate

The test substrate was Pebax rods (72D) obtained from Medicine LakeExtrusions, Inc., Plymouth, Minn.

Coating Pebax Substrate

Coatings were applied to Pebax catheter material (72D Pebax rods).Specifically, coating solution A was applied as a base coat to thesubstrate using a dip coat method. The substrate was immersed in thebase coat coating solution with a dwell time of 5 seconds. The substratewas then extracted from the solution at a speed of 1.5 cm/s. The firstpolymeric layer was then air dried for at least 10 minutes. The firstpolymeric layer was then UV cured. Specifically, the coated substratewas rotated in front of a Dymax 2000-EC series UV flood lamp with a 400Watt metal halide bulb for 30 seconds, approximately 20 cm from thelight source. Next, a layer of coating solution B, C, or D was appliedto the base coat layer, by dip coating at a speed of 0.3 cm/s to formthe second polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer was then airdried and UV cured using the same conditions as for the base layer.Coated rods were then subjected to various base treatments andsterilized by ethylene oxide (EtO) gas.

Friction (Lubricity) and Durability Testing

The coated substrates of the examples were evaluated forlubricity/durability by friction measurements using a Vertical PinchMethod, as described in U.S. Publ. Appl. No. 2003/0165613, with thefollowing modifications. The coated substrate samples were hydrated inphosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) for >=1 minute and then insertedinto the end of a rod holder, which was placed between the two jaws of apinch tester and immersed in a cylinder of PBS. The jaws of the pinchtester were closed as the sample was pulled in a vertical direction for10 cm at a travel rate of 1 cm/sec and opened when the coated sample wasreturned to the original position. A 750 g force was applied as thecoated substrates were pulled up through the pinched jaws. The pullforce exerted on the substrate was then measured (grams). Pull force (g)is equal to the coefficient of friction (COF) multiplied by pinch force.The apparatus used for the vertical pinch test method is described inU.S. Pat. No. 7,348,055, the content of which is herein incorporated byreference.

Example 1: Various Base Treatments of Pebax Rods Coated with CoatingSolution C

Pebax rods, top coated with coating solution C, were treated with eithersodium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate. The sodium hydroxide treatmentconsisted of soaking rods in 1 N NaOH for 30 seconds and thenimmediately rinsing the rods with PBS. The rods were briefly rinsed withdeionized water and air dried.

For the sodium bicarbonate treatment, a solution of 0.1 M NaHCO₃ wasprepared in deionized water. The resulting pH was 8.12. Coated Pebaxrods were immersed in the sodium bicarbonate solution for 30 seconds andthen removed. The rods were briefly rinsed in deionized water and thenair dried.

All rods were sterilized by ethylene oxide (EtO) gas at Steris IsomedixServices (Minneapolis, Minn.). An accelerated aging study was initiatedto determine the lubricity stability of the coatings. Sets of coatedrods were subjected to either ambient conditions (benchtop) oraccelerated aging conditions (55° C., 50% RH) for up to 91 days. Underthe accelerated aged condition, 91 days is equivalent to approximatelytwo years real time. At designated time points, rods were tested forlubricity by friction measurements using a vertical pinch method. Theresults are shown in FIG. 5.

The lubricity of all rods stored under ambient conditions remainedstable for the duration of the study. Under the accelerated agedcondition, the lubricity of the PAA containing coating with salt groupswas less affected by EtO sterilization than the acid form. Basetreatment with either NaOH or NaHCO₃ was effective to maintain stronglubricity performance of the coatings under accelerated aged conditions.

Example 2: Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment of Pebax Rods Coated withCoating Solution D

Sodium bicarbonate treatments were examined further by comparing a quicksodium bicarbonate treatment method to the standard treatment asdescribed in Example 1. In this case, rods were top coated with coatingsolution D. The ‘quick’ treatment consisted of immersing coated rodsinto sodium bicarbonate and then immediately removing them from thesolution (no dwell time). The rods were then air dried. There was norinse step in between removing the rods from the sodium bicarbonatesolution and the drying step.

All rods were sterilized by EtO gas at Sterigenics, Inc. (Willowbrook,Ill.). An accelerated aging study was initiated to determine thelubricity stability of the coatings. Sets of coated rods were subjectedto either ambient conditions (benchtop) or accelerated aging (55° C.,50% RH) for up to 24 days. At designated time points, rods were testedfor lubricity by friction measurements using a vertical pinch method.The results are shown in FIG. 6.

The non-treated PAA control rods lost lubricity under the acceleratedcondition. The quick sodium bicarbonate treatment was just as effectiveat stabilizing the lubricity performance of the rods and the standardtreatment method.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture oftwo or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” isgenerally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

All publications and patent applications in this specification areindicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent applications are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated by reference.

Aspects have been described with reference to various specific andpreferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope herein.

1. A coated medical device comprising: a substrate; a polymeric layerdisposed over the substrate, the polymeric layer comprising a polymer,the polymeric layer comprising an exterior surface; and a plurality ofsalt groups bonded to the polymer of the polymeric layer and disposed onthe exterior surface of the polymeric layer; the salt groups comprisingthe reaction product of a reactive group with an acid or base.
 2. Thecoated medical device of claim 1, the reactive group comprising at leastone selected from the group of a carboxylic acid, a sulfonic acid, asulfinic acid, a sulfate group, a phosphonic acid, a phosphonate group,a phosphate group, an amine, a weak acid group, or a weak base group. 3.The coated medical device of claim 1, the reactive group comprising anacid group.
 4. The coated medical device of claim 1, the reactive groupcomprising a carboxylic acid.
 5. The coated medical device of claim 1,the salt groups comprising carboxylate salts.
 6. The coated medicaldevice of claim 1, the salt group comprising a cation selected from thegroup consisting of sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, aluminum, zinc,magnesium and ammonium.
 7. The coated medical device of claim 1, whereinthe polymeric layer is a top coat layer, the coated medical devicefurther comprising a base polymeric layer disposed between the top coatlayer and the substrate.
 8. The coated medical device of claim 1, thepolymeric layer comprising poly(acrylic acid).
 9. The coated medicaldevice of claim 1, the polymeric layer comprising hyaluronic acid. 10.The coated medical device of claim 1, the polymeric layer comprisingpolyethylenimine (PEI).
 11. The coated medical device of claim 1, thepolymeric layer comprising polyvinylamine (PVAm).
 12. The coated medicaldevice of claim 1, the exterior surface of the polymeric layerexhibiting lubricious properties.
 13. The coated medical device of claim1, the exterior surface of the polymeric layer exhibiting lubriciousproperties for a longer period of time than an otherwise identicalpolymeric layer lacking the same plurality of salt groups.
 14. Thecoated medical device of claim 1, the acid or base comprising a compoundselected from the group of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate,potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithiumhydroxide, zinc hydroxide, ammonia, amino acids having basic sidechains, and amino acids having acidic side chains.
 15. A method ofmaking a medical device comprising: obtaining a medical devicecomprising a polymeric layer disposed over a substrate, the polymericlayer comprising an exterior surface with reactive groups disposed onthe exterior surface; and applying a solution to the exterior surface,the solution comprising an acid or a base, wherein the acid or base inthe solution reacts with the reactive groups to form salt groups. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising rinsing the solution off ofthe exterior surface.
 17. The method of claim 15, the reactive groupscomprising at least one selected from the group of a carboxylic acid andan amine.
 18. The method of claim 15, the reactive groups comprisingacid groups.
 19. The method of claim 15, the reactive groups comprisingcarboxylic acids.
 20. The method of claim 15, the salt groups comprisingcarboxylate salts.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the density ofsalt groups is higher on the exterior surface of the polymeric layerthan in the middle of the polymeric layer.
 22. The method of claim 15,the salt groups comprising a cation selected from the group consistingof sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, zinc and ammonium.